
The cricketing rivalry between Sri Lanka and India has produced numerous memorable matches, showcasing exceptional talent and competitive spirit. This article delves into the detailed scorecards and analyses of their recent encounters, providing a comprehensive overview of performances, key moments, and outcomes.
1. Third ODI: Sri Lanka’s Decisive Victory
On August 7, 2024, at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Sri Lanka secured a significant 110-run victory over India, clinching the ODI series.
Sri Lanka Innings:
- Total: 248/7 in 50 overs
- Key Performances:
- Avishka Fernando: A commanding 96 runs off 102 balls, including 9 fours and 2 sixes.
- Kusal Mendis: Contributed 59 runs off 82 balls, stabilizing the middle order.
- Pathum Nissanka: Added 45 runs off 65 balls, setting a solid foundation.
India Bowling Highlights:
- Riyan Parag: Claimed 3 wickets for 54 runs in 9 overs.
- Washington Sundar: Economical with figures of 1/29 in 8 overs.
India Innings:
- Total: 138 all out in 26.1 overs
- Key Performances:
- Rohit Sharma: Scored a brisk 35 runs off 20 balls.
- Washington Sundar: Fought back with 30 runs off 25 balls.
Sri Lanka Bowling Highlights:
- Dunith Wellalage: Delivered a match-winning spell, taking 5 wickets for 27 runs in 5.1 overs.
- Maheesh Theekshana: Supported with 2 wickets for 45 runs in 8 overs.
This victory marked Sri Lanka’s first bilateral ODI series win over India in 27 years, underscoring their resurgence in international cricket.
2. Second ODI: Vandersay’s Heroics Level the Series
In the second ODI on August 4, 2024, Sri Lanka leveled the series with a 32-run win, thanks to leg-spinner Jeffrey Vandersay’s exceptional performance.
Sri Lanka Innings:
- Total: 240/9 in 50 overs
- Key Contributions:
- Dunith Wellalage: Scored 39 runs, aiding in recovery after early setbacks.
- Kamindu Mendis: Added a valuable 40 runs to the total.
India Bowling Highlights:
- Riyan Parag: Took 3 wickets, showcasing his all-round capabilities.
India Innings:
- Total: 208 all out in 42.2 overs
- Key Performances:
- Rohit Sharma: Led with 64 runs off 44 balls.
- Axar Patel: Contributed 44 runs, attempting to anchor the chase.
Sri Lanka Bowling Highlights:
- Jeffrey Vandersay: Achieved remarkable figures of 6/33, dismantling India’s batting lineup.
- Charith Asalanka: Supported with 3 wickets for 20 runs.
Vandersay’s career-best performance was instrumental in Sri Lanka’s victory, setting up a thrilling series decider.
3. First ODI: A Nail-Biting Tie
The series opener on August 1, 2024, ended in a dramatic tie, setting the tone for a fiercely contested series.
India Innings:
- Total: 230 all out in 47.5 overs
- Key Performances:
- Rohit Sharma: Scored 58 runs off 47 balls, providing a strong start.
- Axar Patel: Added 33 runs, contributing to a competitive total.
Sri Lanka Bowling Highlights:
- Wanindu Hasaranga: Took 3 wickets for 58 runs in 10 overs.
- Charith Asalanka: Claimed 3 wickets for 30 runs in 8.5 overs.
Sri Lanka Innings:
- Total: 230/9 in 50 overs
- Key Performances:
- Avishka Fernando: Top-scored with 96 runs off 102 balls.
- Kusal Mendis: Contributed 59 runs, anchoring the chase.
India Bowling Highlights:
- Riyan Parag: Took 3 wickets, impacting the middle order.
The match’s thrilling conclusion highlighted the evenly matched nature of both teams, setting up an exciting series.
4. Third T20I: India Clinches Series in a Super Over
On July 30, 2024, the third T20I in Pallekele ended in a tie, with India winning in the super over to clinch the series.
India Innings:
- Total: 137/9 in 20 overs
- Key Performances:
- Suryakumar Yadav: Scored 58 runs, leading the batting effort.
- Yashasvi Jaiswal: Contributed 35 runs, providing a solid start.
Sri Lanka Bowling Highlights:
- Matheesha Pathirana: Took 3 wickets, restricting India’s total.
Sri Lanka Innings:
- Total: 137/8 in 20 overs
- Key Performances:
- Kusal Perera: Top-scored with 53 runs, anchoring the chase.
- Pathum Nissanka: Added 26 runs, supporting the innings.
India Bowling Highlights:
- Ravi Bishnoi: Claimed 3 wickets for 26 runs, pivotal in containing the opposition.
In the super over, India successfully chased the target, showcasing composure under pressure and securing the series victory.